Since the establishment in 2009 of the Mahindra & Mahindra (74 per cent) and BAE Systems (26 per cent) Joint Venture, Defence Land Systems India (DLSI), there has been significant evolution in the Indian Land Systems market. Developments in both the industry environment and in customer procurement frameworks and acquisition strategies have led the shareholders to conduct a strategic review of the DLSI business.

Following that review, it has been jointly agreed that Mahindra & Mahindra will acquire BAE Systems’ 26 per cent shareholding in the entity. This decision is a reflection of the shareholders’ belief that they can best meet emerging customer requirements and address the opportunities in this dynamic market with a flexible, tailored approach that was not easily facilitated by the structure of the existing joint venture entity.

This decision will enable both companies to consider each opportunity on a case by case basis, including continuing to explore opportunities for cooperating on specific defence projects.

Brigadier (Retd.) Khutub Hai, Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Defence Systems, said, “In keeping with the Indian defence acquisition scenario and current market considerations, the managements of Mahindra & Mahindra and BAE Systems have decided that Mahindra’s 100 per cent subsidiary Mahindra Defence Systems will acquire BAE Systems’ 26 per cent shareholding in the Defence Land Systems India (DLSI) joint venture. This is a strategic decision and will enable both the companies to approach opportunities individually and to offer customised solutions to meet the needs of the Indian defence land systems domain. We have had a fruitful association with BAE Systems and look forward to working with them in the future on a case by case basis keeping in view the strengths and capabilities that each of us brings to the specific project or opportunity.”

Dean McCumiskey, Managing Director and Chief Executive, India, BAE Systems, said, “India is a key international market for BAE Systems. The country’s ambitious plans for modernisation and expansion of the armed forces and focus on developing self-reliance in defence present considerable opportunities for us. Building domestic capabilities in partnership with Indian companies will remain a cornerstone of our strategy in India. We look forward to opportunities to collaborate with Mahindra and others to enhance the role of the private sector in the defence industry.”